Over the next few days, neighborhoods will be full of parties to celebrate the holidays. It’s a joyous time when we’ll see friends old and new, but we know that it can also be a stressful time for those hosting guests.

That’s why we’ve put together some tips for throwing a holiday party without any of the stress.

Avoid stressing over food

At this time of year, everyone is overindulging! Throw a cocktail party in the early evening or after dinner and you won’t have to worry about catering for a crowd. Instead, grab some cheeses and nibbles, and let the guests help themselves. After all, it’s supposed to be your party too!

If you want to serve a buffet style meal for friends and family, ask people to each bring a dish and it will all come together in no time.

Keep some gifts on hand

It happens to the best of us. Someone hands you a gift and you know that you don’t have something for them. Never fear. Have some gift boxes on hand for when this occasion arises. Any that you don’t give out can be eaten over the festive season.

You might also consider keeping some holiday cards tucked away for anyone who happens to bring you one.

Get guests involved in making drinks

One good option for parties is simply to head to your local wine shop and buy a crate of good wine, then pour it throughout the party. However, if you want to impress with stylish festive cocktails, then you might need to plan a little more carefully. Set up everything guests will need on a bar cart or sideboard, and make or print recipe cards for them to follow. Provide plenty of glasses, shakers, and strainers, and your party guests are sure to have fun. You could even have a little cocktail competition!

Other good options are to make a great punch ahead of time or to ask guests to bring along beverages of their choice.

Avoid formalities

You might find that the last thing you want to do after a day of party preparation is get dressed up. Why not avoid the stress by encouraging your guests to come along in their favorite festive jumpers?

Unless you are inviting a small group, avoid a formal, sit down meal and go for a buffet or nibbles.

Make it fun for all the family

It’s always the festive season when we notice how much our families have grown. Get ready for your nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or children of friends by grabbing some activities. Simple things like coloring, paper chain making or Lego can keep children occupied and give their parents a break. You could also involve children in the party by asking them to judge who has the best Christmas jumper, or by setting up a scavenger hunt for them.

However you’re celebrating Christmas this year, we hope it’s a happy time for you all.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Shisler’s Cheese House!